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Council explores drone show as alternative to fireworks for July 4 celebrations
Summary
Council members and staff discussed using a drone show in place of large neighborhood fireworks for the 2026 celebrations, noting FAA airspace constraints, estimated drone costs and the potential to create a centralized, family‑friendly public event at Centennial Park or the fairgrounds.
Redmond, Ore. — City leaders discussed replacing traditional neighborhood fireworks with a centralized drone show and family event for the July 4, 2026, anniversary celebrations, citing crowd control and safety as motivating factors.
Council members and staff raised drone displays as a way to reduce dispersed, unsanctioned fireworks in neighborhoods. One council member called the drone show idea "a natural time for us to shift to a drone show," and others proposed a downtown evening fair in Centennial Park with drone entertainment, school and community group participation, and vendor involvement.
Staff and councilors raised technical and regulatory constraints: drone shows require coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration and the airport's flight zone. Participants noted the fairgrounds and the county would need to be involved if the city sought a larger site, and staff said they would check FAA rules and the fairgrounds' availability. The council discussed cost estimates offered in the meeting — "drone shows cost $40,000 or $50,000 a piece versus" roughly $10,000 for conventional fireworks — and asked staff to develop options and timelines so commissions and community groups could prepare.
The council asked staff to begin outreach in August so committees and civic groups have time to plan; staff said it would circulate a list of ideas and open a collaborative document for comment. The mayor and staff also discussed contacting the chamber of commerce and local service clubs for sponsorship and volunteer support.
No formal decision was made. Staff were directed to coordinate with county partners, the chamber and the FAA and to return with logistics and budget options for council consideration at upcoming meetings. Event planning items mentioned for near term included invitations and scheduling for a possible parade flyover and coordination with high school groups for performances and themed participation.
Sources: council discussion and staff responses during the informal session.
